The University of Northern British Columbia is growing and has achieved a record enrolment for the fall semester. 3750 students are currently registered in university-credit courses at UNBC, an increase of nearly four per cent over this time last year.
The increase is due to a number of factors, according to university executives:
 a new program in rural nursing with nearly 50 students.
 new “for-credit” offerings in Continuing Studies and English-language studies.
 a 7.4 per cent increase in registrations at regional campuses, including a new Master of Education degree program in Grande Prairie with about 25 students.
 growth in the number of students pursuing master’s and PhD programming. In fact, the number of graduate students at UNBC has surpassed 500 for the first time, a 16 per cent increase over the fall semester in 2006. This year, there has been particular growth in the University’s environmental programs and the MBA.
“This is a tremendous achievement for everyone at UNBC as we respond to demographic challenges, a busy regional economy, and increased competition within the post-secondary marketplace,” said UNBC President, Don Cozzetto, in a press release. “What we’re seeing is a change in our student population and it’s up to us to realize these changes and respond. This means providing more opportunities for graduate students and more opportunities for non-traditional’ students to take focused programs on a flexible schedule. We’re an education destination for students from around the province.”
While UNBC’s fall enrolment overall is up over last year, there has been a small decline in the number of students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at the university. There are 3105 students in undergraduate degrees, a 1.6 per cent drop compared to last year.
“As we assess our enrolment situation, it’s gratifying to see a consistent trend up,” said Dr. Cozzetto. “Last fall, we were up slightly as well, but we experienced a big jump in our summer enrolment. In fact, more than 1900 students were registered in summer programming this year, up nearly 50 per cent over last year.”
The numbers presented above are from the end of the “add-drop” period, during which time students can register or drop-out without academic penalty. The final and official fall enrolment will be determined on November 1.